Pilocarpine Ophthalmic

• Ophthalmic Agent, Antiglaucoma
• Ophthalmic Agent, Miotic

Directly stimulates cholinergic receptors in the eye causing miosis (by contraction of the iris sphincter), loss of accommodation (by constriction of ciliary muscle), and lowering of intraocular pressure (with decreased resistance to aqueous humor outflow)

Miosis: 10 to 30 minutes; Intraocular pressure reduction: 1 hour

Peak effect: 0.5 to 1 hour

There are no dosage adjustments provided in the manufacturer’s labeling.

Frequency not defined.

Cardiovascular: Hypertension, tachycardia

Gastrointestinal: Diarrhea, nausea, salivation, vomiting

Ocular: Burning, ciliary spasm, conjunctival vascular congestion, corneal granularity (gel 10%), lacrimation, lens opacity, myopia, retinal detachment, supraorbital or temporal headache, visual acuity decreased

Respiratory: Bronchial spasm, pulmonary edema

Miscellaneous: Diaphoresis

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to pilocarpine, or if you have uveitis or pupillary block glaucoma.

Before using pilocarpine ophthalmic, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs.

Pilocarpine can cause side effects that can make it harder for you to see at night or in low light. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be able to see clearly.

Do not allow the dropper tip to touch any surface, including the eyes or hands. If the dropper becomes contaminated it could cause an infection in your eye, which can lead to vision loss or serious damage to the eye.

Avoid using any other eye medications your doctor has not prescribed.

Use the medication as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and wait until your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Pilocarpine can cause side effects that can make it harder for you to see at night or in low light. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be able to see clearly.

Avoid using any other eye medications your doctor has not prescribed.

Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially: other eye medications.

This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.

This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: increased saliva, slow heartbeat, nausea, diarrhea, increased sweating.

Notes

Do not share this medication with others.

Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., eye exams) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, apply it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip themissed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Storage

Different brands of this medication have differentstorage needs. Check the product package for instructions on how to store your brand, or ask your pharmacist. Do not freeze. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

If you are using the single-use containers, discard any unused medication immediately after use.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.Information last revised July 2016. Copyright(c) 2016 First Databank, Inc.